3.B. SYMBOLS

Question 1

Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

Answer 1

Because
▪ there were 13 original colonies
▪ the stripes represent the original colonies

**The 13 original colonies were: **● New Hampshire ● Massachusetts ● Rhode Island ● Connecticut ● New York ● New Jersey ● Pennsylvania ● Delaware ● Maryland ● Virginia ● North Carolina ● South Carolina ● Georgia

Question 2

Why does the flag have 50 stars?

Answer 2

Because:
▪ there is one star for each state
▪ each star represents a state
▪ there are 50 states

Today, the U.S. has 50 states. This is why the American flag has 50 stars. There is one star for each state.

Question 3

What is the name of the national anthem?

Answer 3

The Star-Spangled Banner

“Spangled” refers to the stars on the flag that look like they are shining in night sky. The word “banner” means flag. The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key. He wrote it about seeing the American flag after a battle during the War of 1812. The War of 1812 was one war the U.S. fought in the 1800s.